WOODHAVEN, NY (JUNE 6, 2011)-On Friday night June 24th New Legend Boxing Promotions in association with Old World Boxing promotions presents a night of boxing that will feature three fights for the New York State Title.

The main event will be an eight round bantamweight fight featuring undefeated Juan Dominguez of Brooklyn, New York via Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic taking on an opponent to be named for the New York State title.

Dominguez has a perfect mark of 7-0 with five knockouts and the twenty-five year old has taken out his last five opponents within three rounds.

In his last bout, Dominguez stopped undefeated Gabriel Gomez in three rounds at the Cordon Bleu on March 4th.

The eight round co-feature will pit popular Eileen Olszewski taking on Melissa McMorrow in a battle for the New York State Super Flyweight bout.

Olszewski of New York has a record of 7-2 and has fought all over the world and is a former world champion.

She has won two in a row which includes an eight round unanimous decision over Anastasia Toktaulova on December 17th in Miami

McMorrow of San Carlos, California has a record of 4-2-3 and has fought good competition.

She held Amaris Quintana to draws in their two encounters.

McMorrow will be making her second consecutive trip to New York as she lost a unanimous decision to Keisher Mcloed-Wells (3-1) on February 9th at BB Kings in Times Square.

In a third New York State title bout, Jonathan Cuba (5-3, 4 KO's) will take on Ariel Duran (7-2, 4 KO's) in an eight round bout for the New York State Lightweight championship.

Cuba of New York is known as a tough hard punching fighter who is willing to take on all comers.

Duran of The Dominican Republic won his first six bouts and now he will be making his American debut as he as previously fought all of his fights in his homeland.

In a six round Welterweight bout, current New York State Welterweight champion, Martin Wright will compete in a non-title bout against Willie Walton.

Wright (9-1-2, 4 KO's) of Brooklyn won the New York State championship with an exciting split decision victory over Mike Ruiz on May 19th.

Walton (4-4 with all of wins coming by stoppage) is from Salt Lake City, Utah.

Popular Welterweight Tommy Rainone (14-4, 4 KO's) of New York will look to make it two in a row when he takes on an opponent to be named in a six round bout.

Edward Valdez (4-8-2, 3 KO's) of New York will take on Nalo Leal (3-11-1, 1 KO) of Airway Heights, Washington in a six round Lightweight bout.

Super Middleweight Travis Peterkin (2-0, 2 KO's) of Brooklyn will look to stay perfect when he takes on Terrence Anderson (2-4, 1 KO) of San Antonio Texas in a bout scheduled for four rounds.

Rounding out the card will be the dynamic Burrell Twins in separate bouts.

The Burrell's from Brooklyn, New York via London, England in four round bouts that will feature Deano (2-1, 1 KO) & Scotty (3-0, 2 KO's). Each will see action in Lightweight bouts against opponents to be named.

Limited tickets are still available for this fantastic show priced at $60 and $80 each; (VIP Tables - SOLD OUT) and can be purchased by calling New Legend Boxing Gym at 718-487-4474

CHESTER, PA (June 6, 2011)—This past Friday night, popular Lightweight Victor Vasquez got back into the win column as he scored a fourth round stoppage over Gustavo Dailey in a rematch that highlight a terrific seven bout card at Harrah’s in Chester, Pa.

The bouts were promoted by Joey Eye Boxing along with David Feldman and can now be purchased on www.gfl.tv for just $9.99 by clicking:

Sunday, June 5, 2011

NEW YORK (June 6, 2011) – Undefeated super featherweight Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano fights at home for her first professional title Saturday night, June 11 at the historic Roseland Ballroom in New York City.

The 23-year-old Serrano (9-0-1, 5 KOs), a native of Puerto Rico who is now fighting out of Brooklyn, faces Jennifer Scott in an eight-round bout for the vacant North American Boxing Federation title.

“I’m the best female fighter in New York City and I’m going to prove it June 11th,” said the slick-boxing younger sister of former world lightweight contender, Cindy Serrano. “My sister fought for a couple of titles and I won the New York Golden Gloves, but this is my first title shot as a pro and I’m ready and prepared to win. My goal is to win the world title and then fight in Puerto Rico. (Amanda was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Brooklyn when she was one)

“This is my first fight in New York City as a professional boxer. I’m very excited to know that I’m going to have a lot of family, friends and fans there supporting me. I want them all to see how far I’ve progressed. It’s going to be a fun night.”

Serrano would have preferred to fight the former NABF champion, Maureen Shea, but she was stripped of the belt. “She has no heart,” Serrano blasted Shea. “She was offered a fight against me but turned it down and was stripped. Maybe if she has a heart transplant we can fight in the future. It would have been nice – Brooklyn vs. Bronx – if she took the fight.

“I want to be the face of women’s boxing. I can box and brawl. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to. My opponent for this fight doesn’t have a great record (2-3, 2 KOs) but she’s tough and coming to fight. She’s an undefeated MMA fighter, too. I never take anybody lightly. Look what happened to Maureen Shea. She was knocked out by a fighter with a 2-2 record. My last opponent (Ela Nunez) had never been knockout until I stopped her and I want to be the first to knockout Scott.”

Serrano also wants to be proudly displaying her new NABF title belt around her waist the day after her fight, hopefully, on a float in the New York City Puerto Rican Day Parade.

“No female fighter sacrifices like Amanda,” Boxing 360 Founder & CEO Mario Yagobi noted. “She’s an exciting fighter with a great future. Bob (Duffy, Boxing 360 Director of Boxing) worked very, very hard to make this title fight happen. We’d like to thank the NABF for sanctioning it. Amanda is working hard to be world champion. No woman dedicates herself to boxing like Amanda. Boxing is her life.”

Amanda is presently rated No. 4 by independent source WBAN, as well as No. 6 by the WIBA.

“Amanda’s main goal is to win a world title and this is her first step,” Duffy commented. “She’s fighting at home the night before the Puerto Rican Day parade. I want to thank the show’s promoters, Lou DiBella and Gary Shaw, for having this title fight on their card.”

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (June 4, 2011) – Unbeaten former two time world champion Zsolt “Firebird” Erdei scored a sixth round technical knockout over former world champion Byron Mitchell on Saturday night in front of throngs of Hungarian supporters who chanted and cheered their man to victory.

Erdei vs. Mitchell served as the chief undercard bout to the Super Six semifinal clash between WBC super middleweight champion Carl Froch and Glen Johnson from the Adrian Phillips Ballroom at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Erdei (33-0, 18 KOs) came out aggressively from the opening bell, never letting Mitchell (28-8-1, 21 KOs) put together any punches of his own. It was in stark contrast to Erdei’s last outing, also at Boardwalk Hall, where Erdei put on a dominant boxing clinic against veteran Sampson Onyango.

In the sixth round, Erdei’s activity put Mitchell on the canvas twice, the second time prompting referee Eddie Cotton to call a halt to the action at 1:58 of the round.

Erdei credited the rejuvenated performance him being comfortable fighting for the second straight time in America.

“The first fight, I was a little homesick,” said the Hungarian native, who spent most of his pro career fighting in Europe. “This time I had more preparation and more time to get used to being here. It showed in the ring.”

Looking ahead, Erdei, who held the WBO cruiserweight title from 2004-2009 before giving it up for a brief stint at cruiserweight, many possibilities in the talent-rich 175 lbs. division. A chance run-in just hour before his fight had his mind on one man in particular.

“I met Bernard Hopkins at the bakery in Caesars just before the fight,” said Erdei. “He was a real gentleman and we have a great mutual respect for each other. It would be an honor to fight him.”

On Thursday, July 7th, Star Boxing returns to the historic Paradise Theater in the Bronx, with the latest installment of its ever popular "Punchin at the Paradise" fight series. The event on July 7th will mark the second of five scheduled dates at the Theater in 2011.

"Our return to the Theater in May was everything we expected it to be. We were able to put together an exciting night of boxing, before a packed house of raucous fans who turned out for the show. Now we are looking to feed and build off the success of that show and carry it over into the rest of the events we have scheduled at the Theater for this year," stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO and President of Star Boxing.

"The card is going to be filled with a lot of local talent from the New York area, and will also feature some intriguing neighborhood battles for bragging rights of the Bronx," added DeGuardia.

In addition to the pro fights on the card there will also be four exciting amateur bouts, featuring some very exciting prospects out of the New York City area.

Additional information regarding fighters on the card will be announced shortly. Doors open at 6:30PM, with the first bout scheduled for 7:00PM. Tickets are priced at $30, $50 and $100 and can be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at 718 823-2000, visiting www.starboxing.com or simply by CLICKING HERE: Tickets can also be purchased by visiting the Paradise Theater box office, located at 2403 Grand Concourse in the Bronx, NY.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Respectful, but confident in going out to win and motivated to star in a big role inPay TV and high-profile event for the immediate future of boxing in the middleweight division, the undefeated world champion, Sebastian Zbik, and son of the legend, JulioCesar Chavez Jr., faced- on Wednesday, at the press conference that TopRank present to promote the role of next Saturday, to be held at the Staples Center inLos Angeles and Mexico who arrive by Azteca 7 signal

"It's time to fight and hope for the fans to have a great fight and I will do my best to win" said Zbik.

For its part, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (42-0-1, 30 KOs), said he was very excited to be at his first opportunity to become world champion and now he wants to climb into the ring to make history.

"I promise you I will go out on Saturday to give all, give a war and I'll go to win whatever it takes. I'll be the first middleweight champion from Mexico, said Junior, and added that "it's like a dream to be a day of winning the world title and will go out to winon Saturday, for me, for my family and my beloved Mexico, " said Chavez Carrasco,who was accompanied by the living legend of boxing his father, Julio Cesar Chavez Gonzalez and his younger brother Omar.

The background compromise

Who will star in the fight back of this office are willing to "steal the show" and give thebest show of the night in the ring.

Vanes Martirosyan (29-0-0, 18 KOs) will face Saul "Fiera" Roman (34-8-0, 29KOs) in a matchup of solid puncher which is in between the world championship silverweight Middle of the CMB. Both fighters claimed to bring the best possible physical condition and promised a great fight.

NUMBERS
8 world championship fights between Germans and Mexicans
5 wins for Germany
3 wins for Mexico
18 champions in history of Germany
118 champions has had mexico in history

NEW YORK / ALBUQUERQUE (JUNE 2, 2011)—This Saturday night two former world champions will do battle in what promises to be an action packed fight as former five-time world champion, Johnny “Mi Vida Loca” Tapia takes on former Flyweight world champion Mauricio Pastrana that will originate from Hard Rock in Albuquerque.

That bout plus a full undercard can be seen LIVE all over the world on www.gfl.tv for just $9.99 at 9pm Eastern Time. For ordering information, click:

Tapia, who has been one of boxing’s most talked about fighters for the past twenty years (for a myriad reasons) is winding down and wants to thrill his hometown fans in New Mexico one more time before he calls it a day.

Tapia has an astonishing record of 58-5-2 with thirty knockouts and captured the WBO Super Flyweight title with an eleventh round knockout over Henry Martinez in 1994.

He defended that title ten times before adding the IBF Super Flyweight title when he took a twelve round unanimous decision over cross-town rival Danny Romero in one of the mist anticipated grudge matches of the 1990’s.

After two more defenses, he claimed the WBA Bantamweight title with twelve round majority decision over Nana Konadu.

Tapia then went on to win the WBO Bantamweight belt with a twelve round unanimous decision over Jorge Julio.

Tapia won his final belt by scoring a twelve round majority decision to win the IBF Featherweight title over Manuel Medina.

He has won his last three bouts which includes fourth round stoppage over Jorge Alonso this past September 24th

Pastrana has a record of 35-15-2 with twenty three big knockouts.

On January 18th, 1997, Pastrana won the IBF Light Flyweight title with a split decision over former U.S. Olympic star Michael Carbajal.

He defended that title before winning the WBA Interim Flyweight title with a unanimous decision over Jose Bonilla.

Pastrana has come up just a bit short in three more world title opportunities but he has capable of pulling off the big upset on Saturday.

LAS VEGAS (June 1, 2011) – WBA/IBA Light Heavyweight Champion Beibut Shumenov (11-1, 7 KOs), preparing for his third title defense this summer, has a special interest in Saturday night’s fight in Atlantic City between past world champions Zsolt “Firebird” Erdei and Byron “Slama from ‘Bama” Mitchell.

While history-making Shumenov dreams of unifying the light heavyweight division, he’s been unable to get any other world champions to put their title belt on the line. If none of the other world light heavyweight champions will get in the ring with Shumenov in 2011, Beibut will strongly consider a potential match-up later this year against the leading recognized non-world champion, Erdei (32-0, 17 KOs), a former two-time, two-division world titlist.

Shumenov, the 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian, has been on an unprecedented, accelerated pace since his pro debut only 3 ½ years ago. He has defeated four world champions in only 11 pro fights, including Mitchell, as well as Montell Griffin, William Joppy, and Gabriel Campillo. The 27-year-old Shumenov, fighting out of Las Vegas, captured the WBA crown January 9, 2010 in his 10th pro bout via a 12-round decision against Campillo, breaking the world light heavyweight record of 15 set by Jeff “Hit Man” Harding in 1989.

“Erdei is an undefeated, two-time world champion who I’ve been trying to fight through promoters for the past two years,” Shumenov said. “But, so far, we’ve been unable to make the fight happen. Mitchell is a two-time world champion, too. I fought (WTKO4) Byron in 2009 and since then we’ve become friends and helped each other during a couple of training camps. If Erdei should defeat Mitchell, I would love to fight Erdei on Showtime or HBO, and Mr. DiBella can contact me directly to make it happen.”

Mayor Michael Nutter (left) and Bernard Hopkins (right) face off in front of the Rocky Statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Photo Credit: Maxwell Brown/ City of Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA (June 1)...Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter honored newly crowned WBC and Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight World Champion Bernard Hopkins today for his championship win over Jean Pascal which took place May 21.The mayor presented Hopkins with a Liberty Bell replica and made a proclamation saluting Hopkins and acknowledging his history making accomplishment of becoming the oldest world champion in the history of boxing.

"The 'Rocky' movies are an inspiration to the blue collar workers of this city.Rocky used what he had to make the best of it, which is what I had to do.I played jacks like they were aces and I made something out of nothing.

"Where we are standing right now, is where I train.It is where I started.

"I have run those steps [of the Philadelphia Museum of Art] for many years, even last month [in preparation for the Pascal fight].

"It means a great deal to me to be honored where I train.This is where I have come all of my life.

"I lost my first fight at the Blue Horizon in Philadelphia.I lost a four round fight and I didn't let that stop me from continuing on in my career.

"I invested in my life...people ask, 'What is your secret?'They are waiting for me to say 'I am that good,' but I am here because I invested in myself and made a determination not to get caught up in the high life of being a celebrity.

"You have to have good health to have a fighting chance.You have to treat yourself like a temple."

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter

"Let's give it up for Bernard Hopkins, the new Light Heavyweight World Champion.He had some challenges as a teenager.He found himself on the wrong side of the law, but in prison, he found faith in himself and in boxing.This is the real reason why Bernard Hopkins is a champion.

"The heritage of great boxing in Philadelphia is proudly being carried on by Bernard Hopkins.

"Even more than these accomplishments, his life is a lesson to all of us.It is never too late to do something great.It is never too late to change your life.

"Philadelphia is a city of second chances, and we are proud to honor Bernard Hopkins."

Bernard Hopkins poses in front of the Rocky Statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art following a proclamation made by Mayor Michael Nutter honoring Hopkins.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona (June 1, 2011) – The delayed return of former world heavyweight champion and 1996 Bellarusian Olympian, Sergei “The White Wolf” Liakhovich is on July 16 as the Bellarusian Olympian takes on highly-touted, undefeated Robert “The Nordiac Nightmare” Helenius in Munich, Germany.

The 35-year-old Liakhovich (25-3, 16 KOs), rated No. 13 by the World Boxing Council, was supposed to be back in action April 9 in Newark after nearly a year-long absence, but an injury suffered in the final week of training camp forced him to withdraw. Instead of taking an easy tune-up, or sign a more lucrative deal offered by K2 Promotions, Liakhovich chose to make his Main Events debut against Helenius (15-0, 10 KOs), who is world rated among the top four governing bodies (WBO #2, IBF #3, WBA #8 and IBF (IBF #15), as well as No. 8 by The Ring. Helenius is a native of Norway but he lives and fights out of Germany.

“This is what being a true champion really is about,” Liakhovich explained. “I believe you have to take risks to get greater results. Boxing is the best of all sports but its core is in earning respect as a fighter. I think you can accomplish that by taking risks. I had to do that in the past when I fought Dominick Quinn, who was America’s top heavyweight hope at that time, and nobody gave me a chance when I went against Lamon Brewster. Both times taking risks paid off for me and this is not any different. My opponent is a good fighter. He proved that he deserves to be in the top 10 of the world by defeating Brewster and (Samuel) Peter. But he’s never faced anybody with my skills.

“I was very disappointed I had to cancel my (April) fight, but I believe what happens is always for a reason, and sometimes things turn out the way you did not expect. I am glad I have this opportunity and I will take full advantage of it. I’m working again with trainer Kenny Weldon, who was in my corner when I won the WBO title, and doing things that I had stopped. We’ve also been working on a few new things to prepare for this fight. I think it’s going to be a very good fight with two guys putting everything on the line.”

Back in 2006, Liahkovich was on top of the boxing world having won a unanimous decision (117-110, 115-113, 115-112) against Brewster for the WBO crown, sporting a 23-1(13 KOs) pro record that included notable wins against world title contender Guinn and previously undefeated Friday Ahunanya. In his first world title defense, however, Liakhovich lost his belt to Shannon Briggs by way of a 12th round technical knockout with only one second remaining in the fight, in which Sergei led on all three judges’ cards by scores of 106-103, 106-103 and 105-104.

After his fight against Briggs, Sergei was put on his old promoter’s shelf and he has fought only three times since 2006, the last a ninth-round stoppage of Evans Quinn a year ago in Germany.

“I have to give a lot of credit to Sergei,” Main Events CEO Kathy Duva commented. “From the moment he was offered the match with Helenius, he absolutely demanded that we make the fight. There are very few elite professional boxers who are willing to put everything on the line without a moment’s hesitation, as Sergei did, and accept such a challenge. I believe that his experience and courage will carry the day on July 16th against such a strong opponent. Sergei is one of the most fan friendly fighters in boxing and we all look forward to a great match in Munich. We also look forward to bringing home the win!”

Liakhovich’s Boston-based attorney and veteran boxing lawyer, Anthony Cardinale, got Sergei out of his last contract and negotiated his new deal with Main Events and the Helenius fight. “Sergei chose to take a fight that he could have easily avoided and made more money in a three-fight deal which was offered by K2 (two undercard bouts on the Wladimir Klitschko-David Haye and Vitali Klitschko-Tomasz Adamek cards followed by a guaranteed world title shot),” Atty. Cardinale noted. “His reasoning was a win against Helenius will make a world title fight considerably more valuable to him and his family than the deal offered by K2.

“If I were Helenius, I would be concerned because Sergei is getting into the ring a rested, top-conditioned, supremely motivated, championship caliber heavyweight with much more experience. This is not going to be a walk through like Helenius has had against out-of-shape, disinterested former champions just showing up for paydays. He is about to enter a hungry wolf’s den and he won’t come out undefeated.”

The fight they said couldn’t be made has been signed and sealed as junior middleweights Harry Joe Yorgey, of Bridgeport, PA, and Gabriel Rosado, of Philadelphia, PA, meet in a scheduled 10-round contest Friday evening, July 15, at Bally’s Atlantic City.

No titles are at stake and none are needed. This is for bragging rights in the area and this is a fight that has been talked about in the gyms and on local internet websites for quite some time.

Yorgey, 33, has a 23-1-1 record, 11 knockouts. A pro since 2002, his lone setback came by knockout to world-rated Alfredo Angulo on Nov. 7, 2009, in Hartford, CT. That match was televised by HBO.

In his only fight since, Yorgey knocked out Mexico’s Donovan Castaneda last Feb. 25 in Tulsa, OK.

Yorgey also has beaten Ronald Hearns, of Detroit, MI, and Jason LeHoullier, of Nottingham, NH. He has not boxed in the area in more than two years.

Rosado, 25, is 16-5, 9 K0s. He has won his last two fights, out-pointing Jose Medina, of Tilton, NH, over eight rounds and knocking out fellow-Philadelphian Jamaal Davis in 12.

A pro since 2006, Rosado also was stopped by Angulo. He also lost a 12-round majority decision last summer to another Philadelphian, Derek Ennis, for the USBA junior middleweight title.

Rosado, rated No. 15 in the world by the IBF, has defeated ex-IBF world junior middleweight champ Kassim Ouma, of Uganda, and Saul Roman, of Mexico.

Tickets priced at $50 and $75 are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing Promotions (215-765-0922) and through Ticketmaster (800-745-3000). They also can be purchased online at www.peltzboxing.com and www.ticketmaster.com.

Monday, May 30, 2011

NEW YORK, NY (May 30, 2011) – This Memorial Day weekend, as families across the country gather around the grill, DiBella Entertainment is adding to its own family, announcing a weekend of new signings that will strengthen a stable that already includes some of the world’s best pugilistic talent. The final day of Memorial Signing Madness continues Thomas Oosthuizen and Issac Chilemba, two South African prospects vying for supremacy at the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, respectively.

In November, 2010 Oosthuizen, 22, and Chilemba, 24, took the ring in an attempt to determine which was the best in and around the 168 lbs. and 175 lbs. divisions in South Africa. Their bout was inconclusive, with one judge scoring it 115-113 for each man and the third scoring it even, resulting in a split decision draw.

Since they faced each other, both have continued to exert their dominance over everyone else. Oosthuizen (14-0-1, 11 KOs) stopped Columbia Evert Bravo in nine rounds in March to win the IBO super middleweight title. Chilemba (17-1-1, 8 KOs) has started 2011 with new consecutive decisions wins, over previously unbeaten Maxim Vlasov in February, and over Vikapita Meroro in March to win the WBC International title at light heavyweight.

DiBella Entertainment will co-promote Oosthuizen with Rodney Berman’s Golden Glove Promotions out of South Africa.

NEW YORK, NY (May 27, 2011) – This Memorial Day weekend, as families across the country gather around the grill, DiBella Entertainment is adding to its own family, announcing four days of new signings that will strengthen a stable that already includes some of the world’s best pugilistic talent. Memorial Signing Madness begins with Ajose “Smokin’ Joe” Olusegun, the WBC #2 ranked junior welterweight.

Olusegun (29-0, 14 KOs), 31, originally from Nigeria, has been plying his trade almost exclusively in the United Kingdom since turning pro in 2001. In 2008 he won the Commonwealth title at junior welterweight with a clear cut decision against Nigel Wright. He defended the belt three times, including winning a rematch over Wright in which he also took home the British Boxing Board of Control British junior welterweight title. During his tenure in the UK, Olusegun also beat well-respected veterans Bradley Price (TKO4), Scott Haywood (TKO7) and Colin Lynes (KO8).

Recently, Olusegun moved to New York City to continue pursuing his boxing dreams. Now ranked #2 in the world by the WBC, Olusegun is looking towards a showdown with once-beaten Frenchman Ali Chebah (35-1, 28 KOs) in a WBC mandated eliminator.

“If you haven’t seen Ajose Olusegun fight yet, fire up Youtube and prepare to be entertained,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “He has one of the most crowd pleasing styles in boxing and fights in a division filled with big names. Ajose will prove that he belongs in with those big names.”

Talks are currently underway for Olusegun and Chebah to fight some time this year.

Do you know any boxers with bad dogs that need serious training? ANIMAL PLANET’S hit show “It’s Me Or The Dog” is looking to cast a fighter/boxer for it’s 4th season. The show features Victoria Stilwell, our host and world class dog trainer who has one of the highest success rates in the world for training very bad, unruly and untrainable dogs. We are looking for BIG personalities as candidates to have their dogs trained by Victoria. If you know of any fighter/boxers who would be a good fit for this show, or anyone with a BIG personality and very bad dogs that are driving them crazy, please contact Annette Ivy immediately.

"I like Poland. I've been here many times. I've lived here before. I have a lot of friends here. I have many good memories linked with Poland, they're positive. It just worked out that now I'll be fighting a Polish boxer. The most important thing to me will be the result. What more can I say? I think that it'll be a positive moment that will represent our countries. To quote Nelson Mandela: 'Sport has the strength to change the world'."

"You are a bad boxer if you don't wish to win a world title. Tomasz has a chance to become one. In this situation the only questions can be: Is this too important for him? Is it too late? It's never too early, never too late. He got his chance and he definitely has a chance if he wants it. The question is though, if I will let him take that chance."

"He's (Adamek) not an easy opponent, good technique, good condition, and a big heart to boxing, strong character and a strong desire to win. Those are the most important elements in boxing."

Reporter: Your fight with Adamek will be in Wroclaw, Poland on September 10, with approximately 40,000 fans. The Ukraine and Germans will come but there will be a dominance of Poles. Do you worry about a loud uproar for Adamek? "I'll repeat one more time that boxing fans are there to watch the fight. I understand that Tomasz will have a huge fan base. For me that's not the first time. I've fought in Germany against a German, in America against an American, in Britain against a Brit. So now that I'm fighting in Poland against a Pole, it makes no difference. The ring is always the same."

Adamek and Klitschko at new soccer stadium

Credits: SMG Polska

Tomasz Adamek:

"I fight differently than I used to. I take a lot less hits, I'm more balanced. If you have a knack to box I think it's impossible not to keep learning. Everything is possible. You have to have faith and never give up. If you give up, you'll never win."

"In both Heavyweight and Cruiserweight they all said I was too small, and now it's (heavyweight) a hard weight class. As he (Vitali) gets older he's trying to do impossible things. I have shown that with determination you can win. I have a great trainer who taught me a lot since I started working with Andrew and they used to pound me. This lets me know that you can always beat the strongest people."

Reporter: In one of your last interviews, you said Vitali is getting older. Do you foresee maybe by the 7th or 8th round that he will become winded? "If I keep pushing a high

pace then definitely because he is a bigger and taller guy so he tires faster. I have to keep changing my position while striking. This is what I'll be working on with Roger. I'll be working on being fast. This is an area where I'll be able to beat him."

Reporter: In boxing you say that if you want to tire someone out, you hit them hard, is this true with Klitscko? "Absolutely. I'll have to work up and down. He's a big guy. We're working on that. I have a good trainer."

"I'll definitely have to keep a low position so I can get away from some serious strikes. That's the key. The rest you'll have to wait until September 10th to see. I have to represent myself well for Poland and the rest of the world."

"If I take on a challenge I'm going to put 120% into it. I invite you all to the fight on September 10th. You can watch it live in the stadium, or on TV. Best wishes to all.."

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Trites, Anderson bring mutual respect to the cage for June 10th showdown

By: Michael Parente, Classic Entertainment & Sports

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (May 26, 2011) – The last time he stepped inside the cage, Damien Trites carried the burden of a personal grudge that adversely affected his performance and led to a deflating loss to Dany Lauzon.

Six months removed from his most recent setback, a wiser, calmer Trites (5-4, 1 KO) plans on checking his aggression at the door when he faces Jeff “Candyman” Anderson (8-4, 2 KOs) of Lincoln, R.I., on the undercard of Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports’ “Nowhere To Hide” professional cage fighting show Friday, June 10, 2011 at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln.

“I actually like Jeff,” said Trites, an Allston, Mass., native. “This isn’t like the Lauzon fight at all. I went in [against Lauzon] too aggressive. I didn’t pick my punches. I didn’t fight a smart fight. I feel relaxed now. I can go into that cage with a clear head and focus solely on the fight without worrying about outside distractions.”

On the surface, Trites’ newfound inner-peace might seem like bad news for the “Candyman,” but Anderson is a savvy veteran who’s faced elite competition since making his professional debut in 2008, therefore it’s unlikely he’ll be fazed by the task at hand. The combined record of the four fighters who have beaten Anderson – a short list that includes veterans Rene Nazere, Hitalo Machado, Luiz Rodrigues and Calvin Kattar – is 31-7. Anderson credits the loss to Kattar (11-2, 6 KOs) in March of 2010 as the turning point in his career.

“He’s the one that really made me challenge myself,” Anderson said. “After that fight, I knew I was ready. I lost, but at the end of the day it was a good experience for me. That’s the one fight that really got me prepared for any opponent that would come in the future. It gave me confidence to know I belong in this sport and that I can go against the best. It let me know I’m in this game and I deserve to be here.

“I’ve been against some of the best strikers, grapplers and wrestlers, so I don’t worry about what my opponent is going to do. Wherever the fight goes, I’m confident I can work myself out of any tough situation and get the fight back to where I want it to be.”

For Trites, June 10th is an opportunity for him to redeem himself in front of a Twin River crowd that watched him submit via the guillotine just 1 minute, 54 seconds into his main-event showdown against Lauzon at Burchfield’s “Snow Brawl” show. Trites attempted to settle a long-standing feud with Lauzon that began months before they agreed to fight last December, but couldn’t keep his anger in check once he stepped inside the cage.

“I don’t make excuses – if I lose, I lose – but if I could have that fight back I would fight it differently,” Trites said. “I know I can beat him. Physically, I felt strong that night. He wasn’t strong at all. On the ground, he’s real technical, and that guillotine was tight – I wouldn’t have tapped out if it wasn’t – but when I got in the cage my legs were like Jello. I felt mentally drained.

“If you watch closely, at one point in the fight when we got into a scramble he hit me with a right and I hit him with a right. Before that, I took a deep breath. I was gassed, but I wasn’t out of shape. The pressure before the fight was so great. Everyone wanted me to win. I’ve never been in the [Ultimate Fighting Championships] before, but that was the closest thing for me.”

Trites said fans should expect to see a much more disciplined fighter on June 10th.

“I think people will be surprised,” he said. “People underestimate my striking and how good my kicks are. I have grown a lot since I fought John Benoit [a majority decision loss in 2009]. Jeff doesn’t use a lot of angles. I do. I throw every punch with the intention of putting you to sleep. Anyone can win in this sport with 4-ounce gloves. If I hit him on the chin, he’s going down.”

Trites’ stand-up game, which has yielded only one knockout victory in nine fights, might come into play June 10th since Trites considers Anderson an elite “submission defender.” The proof is in the numbers – eight of Anderson’s 12 fights have gone the distance with Anderson winning five times.

“I’m real comfortable with my submission defense and I think it’ll help against [Trites],” Anderson said. “A lot of guys are good with submissions when they get to the ground, but being able to defend that is a strength in my game. That’s good for me – especially against him since most of his wins have been by decision.”

Anderson is cognizant of the fact Trites isn’t entering this fight with a chip on his shoulder and he shares the same respect for his opponent as Trites has for him, but all the good will and charm will go out the window once these two enter the cage June 10th. Although the circumstances might be different this time, the desire by both parties to walk away with a win remains the same.

“The two of us getting along? That might be a big plus on his side because now he can focus on the task at hand,” Anderson said, “but at the end of the day it’s all about who’s willing to put his entire body on the line to get that win.”

Added Trites: “Business is business and he’s not going to stop me from getting my hand raised. How big a statement would it be if I could finish him in the first round?”

Tickets for “Nowhere To Hide” are $40.00, $60.00, $100.00 and $200.00 (VIP) and can be purchased by calling CES at 401.724.2253/2254, online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at the Players Club booth at Twin River, or through any TicketMaster location. Doors open 6 p.m. with the first bout scheduled for 7.

(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Nowhere To Hide.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult and must enter through the West entrance.)

PHILADELPHIA, PA (May 26, 2011) – Unbeaten former two-time world champion and lineal light heavyweight champion Zsolt “Firebird” Erdei (32-0, 17 KOs) will make his second straight appearance on American soil on June 4 when he takes on former world champion Byron Mitchell (28-7-1, 21 KOs) on the undercard of Carl Froch’s WBC Super Middleweight title defense against Glen Johnson in the semifinals of the SHOWTIME Super Six World Boxing Classic.

To give his preparation a boost for this fight, the Hungarian hero Erdei, who is fighting his second straight bout back at light heavyweight after winning a cruiserweight title in 2009, has taken up temporary residence in the world renowned fight town, Philadelphia, PA. Erdei gave some insight into his training for his upcoming battle with Mitchell, his quest to conquer America, and how he is getting acclimated to the gyms of Philadelphia.

How has your overall training been for this bout?

Up to today I'm very satisfied with my preparations. I began basic training sessions in Budapest with my new physical coach, Zoltan Klink, a former Soccer player. He made me begin running stairs, first in my homeland Hungary at the river Duna in Budapest, then in Hamburg, Germany, then at the Bethesda Terrace stairs in New York’s Central Park, and now here in Philly on the Rocky Stairs at the Museum of Art. In March I also had a three weeks camp in Kitzbühel (Austria) together with Vitali Klitschko under the control of my coach Fritz Sdunek.

How do you feel about coming to the United States for your second straight bout?

To fight in the States was and is still my dream. To be successful in this country is my target. I like this country, I like the people. The people here have respect for fighters!

How has your training picked up since moving to Philadelphia?

Very good. I do my work at Joe Hand Gym and have the sparring sessions in the James Shuler Boxing Gym with good guys around me. Here they feel, taste and live boxing - that's what I like!

Have you become acclimated to life in the United States?

I'm used to having to be flexible. It's my fourth time in the States and, especially before my last fight in November in Atlantic City, I have used the time to adapt the way of living here.

What are your favorite things to do here that you can’t do in Hungary?

To eat lunch in a Japanese restaurant. I like sushi very much, and it fits into my eating program.

What has a typical day of training been like for you?

To be in the gym in the morning time, have some lunch at our favorite sushi bar, and after the sparring a good, but special dinner. Also I like to be outside and visit the landmarks in Philadelphia. I spend the rest of my off-time reading and solving Sudoku puzzles.

What will be the one thing that you must do in the ring to beat Byron Mitchell on June 4?

Everybody knows my skills - I'm fast and my technical skills have always been enough. I’m an undefeated world champion and have been champion in two divisions. My skills are enough.

Carl Froch vs. Glen Johnson is presented by DiBella Entertainment and Warriors Boxing, in association with Matchroom Sports and Caesars Atlantic City. The bout will be televised live on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing starting at 9 PM ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

Tickets are priced at $300, $150, $100, and $50 and are on sale through the Boardwalk Hall box office and Ticketmaster. Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone (800-745-3000), or in person at Boardwalk Hall Atlantic City. Fans of Zsolt Erdei may purchase special “Fans of Zsolt Erdei” tickets by logging on to Ticketmaster.com and using the password ZSOLT when promoted.

“We’re committed to bringing Saturday night pro boxing back to Connecticut and showcasing the pool of young talent here right at home,” promoter Craig Salamone said. “Our shows will feature old-fashioned boxers in entertaining, competitive fights for local bragging rights. These young guys need to fight in order to improve and a build fan base. Bulldog Cartel Promotions is going to give them that opportunity on a regular basis.”

The eight-round main event features a pair of dangerous cruiserweights sporting deceiving records, Joshua “Juice” Harris (7-4-1, 5 KOs) and Harvey “Candy Man” Jolly (11-17-1, 6 KOs). Harris, of Providence, registered a shocking first-round knockout of Alexis Mejias (10-1) two years ago, while Jolly did the same thing against previously undefeated Nicholas Iannuzzi (12-0), who recently lost a controversial decision to budding star Lateef Kayode.

The eight-round co-feature is an interesting match-up between a talented prospect, undefeated Hartford welterweight Javier “El Chino” Flores (5-0, 5 KOs), against 35-year-old veteran Shaka Moore (11-15-3, 2 KOs). Puerto Rica-native Flores is coming off of a sensational second-round knockout of Marcus Hall this past February. Moore, of Norwalk, won a four-round bout by technical decision versus Noel Garcia in April at the Connecticut Convention Center.

Another hot prospect, super middleweight Lamar Russ (7-0, 5 KOs) puts his perfect record on the line against TBA. Russ, now fighting out of Hartford, upset Haitian Olympian Elie Augustama by six-round decision in December.

Former world light middleweight champion Vincent “The Ambassador” Pettway will be working the corners of Jolley and Snow.

Tickets are priced at $80.00 (ringside) and $40.00 (general admission) and available to purchase by going on line to www.WorldClassTickets.com, at the Connecticut Convention Center box office, and calling 860.759.8898 or 203.889.1222.

CHESTER, PA (May 25, 2011)—On Friday night June 3rd at Harrah’s in Chester, Joey Eye Boxing along with David Feldman will present ROUND 3 that will be headlined by a six round Lightweight scrap between Philadelphian’s Victor Vasquez and Gutavo Daily.

Fans in attendance will be treated to a six bout undercard that will feature some of the most popular and up and coming talent in the Philadelphia.

Topping the undercard will be popular Light Heavyweight Tony Ferrante of Northeast Philadelphia taking part in a six round bout against Joe Park of Florence, South Carolina.

Ferrante, 26 years old, won his first nine bouts which included wins over Anthony Pietrantonio (6-1) and he won the WBF United States title with a eight round majority decision over Billy Bailey.

Ferrante lost that title when he dropped a ten round unanimous decision to Chuck Mussachio (15-1-2).

Ferrante will be looking to get back in the win column after he was stopped in three rounds to undefeated Ronson Frank (15-0) on January 28th

The Thirty-seven year old Park of Florence, South Carolina has a respectable record of 8-5 with six knockouts and will be a good test for Ferrante as he has fought some top prospects.

Park won his first four bouts via stoppage before dropping an eight round unanimous decision to undefeated Shane Benefield (11-0).

After three more wins, Park lost to former world title challenger LaJuan Simon (13-0-2).

Park has also fought Marcus Upshaw (3-0) and his last bout came against undefeated knockout artist Jason Escalera (5-0) where Park was stopped in three rounds back on June 25th, 2009.

In a four round Lightweight bout, undefeated Lightweight Angel Ocasio will see action against Randolph Scott.

Ocasio, twenty-one years old of Philadelphia, has a record of 4-0 with one knockout is coming off an impressive four round unanimous decision over George Santiago as part of ROUND 2 that took place on March 18th at Harrah’s in Chester.

Besides his exciting style, Ocasio brings a rabid fan base that has supported him emphatically through his first four bouts

Scott, twenty-seven of Sailsbury, Maryland has a record of 0-3 and is coming off a six round unanimous decision to Jamie Palma (13-13-1) on May 9, 2009.

Brown will making his first start in his home state after three straight wins in Atlantic City.

In his last outing, Brown stopped undefeated Darryl Parker (2-0) on March 26th as part of the Yuriorkis Gamboa – Jorge Solis world Featherweight title card.

Burnette, twenty-six, will be looking for his third straight win as he is coming off a unanimous decision victory over experienced William Wilson (8-6) on February 18th.

Part of the “Delaware’s First Family of Boxing”, Super Featherweight Joey Tiberi (3-1, 3 KO’s) will be looking to thrill his fans when he battles Jonathan Ocassio (0-7) of Philadelphia in a bout scheduled for four rounds.

After his scintillating pro debut knockout as part of ROUND 2 in March, Super Middleweight Fred “Freddy J” Jenkins Jr. of Philadelphia will take on six fight vet Corey Preston.

The twenty-four year old Jenkins, who is the son of longtime and well known Philadelphia trainer Fred Jenkins, looked explosive in taking out Scott Brunner in two rounds on March 18th.

Preston, 1-5 of North Carolina has been in with tough competition and Jenkins will be the fourth undefeated fighter that he has faced.

Rounding out the card will be the pro debut of Lightweight Naim Nelson taking on Kywame Hill.

Both Nelson and Hill are from Philadelphia so bragging rights will be at stake.

Hill has a record of 1-7 but the combined record of the thirty-three year old is 21-3-3.

The fights will be recorded for a tape delay broadcast by www.gfl.tv

THERE WILL BE A PRESS CONFERENCE AT LOU TURK’S—500 POWHATTEN AVE. IN ESSINGTON, PA ON WEDNESDAY JUNE 1st at 7pm

THE WEIGH-IN WILL TAKE PLACE ON THURSDAY NIGHT JUNE 2nd at 6pm AT LOU TURK’S

BOTH EVENTS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Tickets are now on sale for $100 (VIP); $60 (Ringside) and $45 (General Admission) and can be purchased at the Harrahs Chester Gift Shop; By calling Joey Eye (267-304-9399); David Feldman (610-291-0806); 800-480-8020 or on www.webtix.net

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

NEW YORK (May 24, 2011) – The long, strange trip Maurice “Sugar Moe” Harris has taken during his often tumultuous 18-year pro career is close to reaching its ultimate zenith as the USBA heavyweight champion makes final preparations for this week’s rematch against former world title challenger Tony “The Tiger” Thompson,” live on ESPN Friday Night Fights from Reno Events Center in Nevada.

The IBF No. 6 Harris (24-14-2, 10 KOs) versus No. 7 Thompson (35-2, 23 KOs) battle is a scheduled 12-round, International Boxing Federation (“IBF”) Box-Off with the winner moving up to No. 2 in the IBF ratings, and earning an IBF Title Eliminator match against the other IBF Box-Off winner, top rated “Fast” Eddie Chambers (36-2, 18 KOs), who defeated Derric Rossey this past February by way of a 12-round unanimous decision. The winner of the fight between Chambers and Harris/Thompson will determine the IBF mandatory challenger for world champion Wladimir Klitschko (or David Haye if he wins their July 2nd unification fight).

“I try not to think too far ahead and to stay focused on the task at hand,” Harris spoke about not letting possible fights in the future being a distraction from his mission. “I hear that I’m only two fights away, but I’m not focused on fighting Eddie Chambers because I’m fighting Tony Thompson. I take it one fight at a time. If I don’t focus on Tony Thompson there won’t be an Eddie Chambers fight for me.

“I’ve always had it inside of me. I’ve worked too hard to get here and I’m not turning back now. I have done everything possible to get ready for this fight. Usually, when I do that, good things happen. This is my job. I don’t have a social life. Once in a while I may go to the movies with my wife or to Chuck E. Cheese with my kids, but boxing is all I really do. I’m going with my promoter’s logo: Boxing 360 and that’s all I do.”

A decade ago, Harris defeated Thompson by decision in the final of the “Thunderbox Heavyweight Tournament. “Things change,” Maurice commented. “I didn’t know Thompson then and I don’t know him now. I’m not going back nine years to that fight. This fight is now and that’s what counts. I know I’m a better fighter because with age comes wisdom. He’s gotten experience and fought in some big fights. I’ve been on my journey and he’s been on his. I’m ready. It’s going to be an interesting night.”

The 35-year-old Harris has beaten some of the best heavyweights, including former world champion Sergei Liakhovich and world title challenger Jeremy Williams, but he’s also lost to journeymen and no-name opponents. The reborn-Harris, however, has won four fights in a row since signing a promotional contract with Boxing 360.

“In the past I was just going along for the ride,” Harris added. “I wasn’t focused like I am now. I never thought it would come to this (two fights away from a world title shot). It all came unexpectedly but I always knew that I could beat the major players. Hey, I won’t be satisfied with a win Friday night because it isn’t my ultimate goal.”

NEW YORK / READING, PA (May 24, 2011)—This Past Saturday night at The Soverign Center in Reading, PA, Jr. Middleweight Keenan Collins scored a destructive first round stoppage over Jorge Delgado which highlighted a six bout card and all the action is now available on-demand on www.gfl.tv

Collins hurt Delgado with a big right hand for which Collins jumped on his prey. One more huge right hand crumpled Delgado to the canvas and the fight was stopped at the end of the first round.

Heavyweight’s William Miranda and Zeferino Albino fought to a four round draw.

Eilud Torres scored a six round unanimous decision over Travis Thompson in a Lightweight bout.

In a four round Jr. Middleweight bout, Grayson Blake scored a four round unanimous decision over Danny Lugo.

Osahon Omo-Osage and Cesar Gonzalez battled to a four round draw in a Super Featherweight bout

In yet another evenly matched fight, Randy Easton and Antonio Robertson battled to a draw in a heavyweight tussle.

- GFL is a pioneer in Internet Sports Broadcasting. Over the years GFL has broadcast more than 1000 live events with over 5000 combat sports videos in 196 countries. GFL is especially proud to have served greater than 3.3 million public viewers over the years with more than 150 combat sports related website affiliates in its network. GFL is now available on Roku, Android, IPhone, IPad, as well as other internet ready devices.

LOS ANGELES, May 23 - Televisa's "Sabados De Corona" is back on Saturday, May 28, as unbeaten Pedro Guevara takes to the ring in his hometown of Mazatlan to battle Guasave's Mario Rodriguez in a 12-round bout for the WBC Silver light flyweight championship.

In the co-main event at the Mazatlan International Center, former Two-Division World Champion Jorge "El Nino de Oro" Linares of Venezuela squares off against Colombia's Francisco Cordero in a 10 round fight for the WBA International lightweight title.

This stellar doubleheader headlines a hard-hitting night of boxing presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Box Latino and sponsored by Corona. The Televisa broadcast begins at 10:30pm CT/9:30 PM MT. Doors open at 5:00pm MT and the first bell rings at 6:00pm MT.

The fights will also be available in the United States as AT&T* is exclusively delivering the series across three screens (TV, Online and Mobile) to AT&T U-verse members. The U-verse broadcasts will air live at 9:30pm ET/6:30pm PT on AT&T U-verse(R) TV, U-verse Online at www.att.net/boxeo and, for subscribers to the U-verse Live TV mobile application, on qualifying mobile phones.**

Mazatlan Sinaloa, Mexico's Pedro "Jibran" Guevara (12-0, 8 KO's) has done his city and his country proud thus far in his three-year professional career, roaring out to a perfect record while showing off the skills that many believe will have him wearing a world championship belt sooner rather than later. Coming off of a 7-0 year in 2010, Guevara is riding a five-fight knockout streak that includes a third round finish of Karluis Diaz last December which earned him the WBC Silver light flyweight title that he will defend on May 28.

22-year-old Mario "Dragoncito" Rodriguez (10-6-3, 7 KO's) packs middleweight power into his 108-pound frame and, as a former WBC Continental Americas minimumweight champion, he knows how to fight and win at the elite level of the sport. In August of 2010, Rodriguez lost a hard fought 12-round decision to Donnie Nietes in a fight for the WBO minimumweight world title, but now up to 108 pounds, he's expecting big things, beginning with his upcoming showdown with Guevara.

One of boxing's best, former Featherweight and Super Featherweight World Champion Jorge "El Nino de Oro" Linares (30-1, 19 KO's) is seeking a third divisional title. Winner of three in a row since an upset loss to Juan Carlos Salgado in 2009, Linares hasn't been taking it easy, as he has been in with Francisco Lorenzo, Rocky Juarez and Jesus "Matador" Chavez in recent bouts. Next up for the Barinas, Venezuela native is a showdown with Cordero who with only one loss on his resume, will not be an easy out for Linares.

Barranquilla, Colombia's Francisco "Volcan" Cordero (23-1, 15 KO's) is a rising star who knows that a win over the highly-ranked Linares will be his ticket to the big time. A staple on the Colombian fight circuit who owns a win over 14-1 Koseki Nakama that took place in Nakama's home turf in Okinawa, Japan, Cordero's lone loss came in a 2010 world title bout against Jorge "Coloradito" Solis. After the world title challenge loss, he bounced back with a second round knockout over Julio Gomez, all systems are go for the talented 24-year-old. He looks to continue his winning ways against the formidable Linares.

Sports history was made Saturday night when Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins (52-5-2, 32 KO's), at 46 years old, defeated 28-year-old former WBC and Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight World Champion Jean Pascal (26-2-1, 16 KO's), making Hopkins the oldest fighter in boxing history to win a significant world title. Not only did Hopkins take the belts from Pascal in front of 17,560 fans in his hometown of Montreal (an indoor boxing event record in Canada), but he defeated father time once again and solidified his place as one of the greatest athletes ever to compete over the age of 40.

With his unanimous decision victory, Hopkins became boxing's oldest world champion, breaking George Foreman's record, which was set 16 and half years ago. Foreman, who was 45 when he knocked out Michael Moorer for the heavyweight title on November 5, 1994, was 192 days younger than Hopkins when he captured his title.

Hopkins displayed his excellent conditioning and ring fortitude throughout the bout and hammered the point home at the beginning of the seventh round, when while waiting for Pascal to leave his corner, Hopkins dropped to the canvas and started doing push-ups (click HERE to see push-up highlights). According to the scorecards, that round went to Hopkins too. It was a great night of boxing with a spectacular performance by the ageless wonder Bernard Hopkins.

Bernard Hopkins & George Foreman Post-Fight Quotes

Bernard Hopkins:

"[Beating the record] feels great. I did exactly what I wanted to do, which was break this record. I knew it was going to be a tough fight, but I wasn't going to be denied. You don't get a chance to do this too often. You are supposed to win titles when you are younger...in your twenties, not when you're 46.

"I didn't feel 46 tonight. I felt more like 36.

"I can say I am a great fighter. It was exciting. I think everybody enjoyed themselves.

"I have been accused of being boring, but I saved the best for last. I am going to fight like this [with a more exciting style] as long as I am boxing. I believe I am an entertainer. When you are in your last performances, you give it all you've got.

"I want to box as well as I can, and I think there are still great fights to come before I leave this game.

"I give you breathtaking!

"I always fight with my heart, but I had to be careful too. I knew this guy was dangerous. He punched hard, but I knew I had to be strong too. Like I said before, I saved the best for last and gave you a blockbuster performance.

"I am going to keep fighting like this until I leave this game and trust me, when I leave, I will not be punch drunk, beat up or broke.

"Be happy I am still here because one thing we can say is that I am not wasting anybody's time. I went in there with a guy who that is young enough to be my son.

"I don't see anyone beating this strong bull from Canada. Coming from a veteran, he shouldn't load up on his punches. He needs to take advice from this legend and not throw his punches so strongly.

"He is a tough kid and he hit me with some good shots, but I am in tremendous shape.

"I think Canada will welcome me back to fight [Lucian] Bute. I want either Bute or [Chad] Dawson.

"This is in the top two moments of my career, right there alongside beating Felix Trinidad and the relevance of that.

"I showed him a little bit of Hearns, Wolcott and Ray Robinson, but mostly, I showed him me.

"Thanks to Golden Boy for getting this fight together after the first fight. We had to deal with a couple of things that worked out for everybody, especially the fans which is very important.

"I would like to thank everybody in Canada that gave me the respect. I hope it was what everyone wanted.

"He [Pascal] is a quality and respectful champion. He will be one of the ones that will stay around for a long time if uses this education that he experienced tonight.

"I just felt that I had to show that guy [Pascal] that he was fading and I was growing stronger. I wanted him to see me doing something crazy. I am the king of mind games. [On doing push-ups in his corner prior to round seven.]

"If I want to box until I am 50, I will as long as I come out unscathed. I will fight as long as I am hungry.

"If I don't win, this is over for me. I know there is no tomorrow. If I want to still box, I don't want to embarrass myself. I understand the stats are against me. I had to put myself in a situation where I had to be near perfect.

"I want to thank everyone for enjoying history.

"I talked to George Foreman on the phone. He said he might come out of retirement to break my record [laughs].

"If you thought tonight was something, you ain't seen nothing yet."

George Foreman's Reaction:

"I was on the edge of my seat every round. It was such an exciting fight. Bernard was the better athlete, the smarter fighter and was in the better condition. Now that a 46 [year-old] has done it, next a 47[year-old], a 48[year-old], a 49[year-old] and a 50 [year-old] will do it, and if somebody does it at 60, then I'll have to get back in there.

"Look, Hopkins did push-ups. What great conditioning, and he did it in Pascal hometown. Isn't that something? He was just so much better. I'm happy for Hopkins and I'm happy for mature athletes.

"If my record goes down, you want to see it go down that way. If it was the Olympics, Bernard gets the Gold Medal and breaks the record for the world championship. This was the best I've seen Bernard take charge of the fight with a young strong champion like Pascal. Long live the king."

HBO Sports will air a replay of the May 21 World Championship Boxing telecast:

Created by unbeaten junior middleweight and West Point graduate Boyd Melson in association with Justadollarplease.org, Team Fight to Walk’s mission is to raise awareness within the boxing community about the importance of stem cell research for spinal cord injuries.

Globally recognized as one of the best 154 pound fighters on the planet, Latimore, 22-3 (17 KO’s), is working towards landing another world title bout. The hard hitting Las Vegas based St. Lucian dropped a controversial decision in 2009 to then titlist Cory Spinks, but has won three of his last four bouts to put himself back in the mix.

“I’m very happy to be helping out,” said Latimore. “I know many people that are paralyzed and becoming involved makes me feel like a better person because I know that I’m helping those in need.”

Although he’s only fought twice as a professional, O’Brien, 2-0 (2 KO’s), has already made a splash in the North Jersey area. The charismatic and likeable East Hanover resident is a crowd pleasing fighter who brings a bevy of fans to support him. He’s also agreed to donate a percentage of his purse following his fight Friday evening in Newark, NJ.

Known as “The Messenger”, El Harrak had an outstanding 52-8 amateur record and turned pro in 2008, declining an opportunity to represent Morocco in the Olympic Games. Based out of Santa Clara, CA, El Harrak has an excellent 10-1 professional ledger and will donate a percentage of commission from ticket sales following his June 17 bout.

“I chose to get involved because helping make a difference in ones life is a beautiful thing,” said the talented welterweight. If everyone was willing to lend a helping hand to hose in need, a lot could be done and the world would be a better place to live in.”

Like El Harrak, Douglin, 12-1 (8 KO’s), is a 23 year old with the heart of a champion. The Morganville, NJ native and 2008 National Golden Gloves Champion decided to become involved with the cause after hearing about the daily struggles that people suffering from severe must endure.

Parsley, also an unbeaten rising star, is 5-0 with 2 knockouts and is quickly becoming a fan favorite in his native New York City. The former Junior Olympic Champion didn’t think twice about joining.

“Everyone deserves a chance to enjoy life to its fullest potential,” Parsley said of joining Team Fight to Walk. “It also feels great to help others that are having their hardships in life.”

With five new members representing Team Fight to Walk and a number of others expected to join the fight in the near future, Dr. Patricia Morton, Director of The Spinal Cord Injury Project, is thrilled by the generosity of the boxing community.

“I am awed by passion and commitment of these fighters to find a cure for all people with spinal cord injuries,” said Dr. Morton, who launched JustADollarPlease.org. “We are deeply grateful for what they are doing for this entire community.”

(EAST HANOVER, NJ)—Welterweight prospect Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien has recently announced his involvement with the charity JustADollarPlease.org and that he will be donating 10 percent of his purse from his May 20 fight to the organization.

JustADollarPlease.org is the fundraising project of SCINetUSA, the clinical trial network that was launched to test promising treatments for chronic spinal cord injury in the US. SCINetUSA will organize, administer, train clinicians and get approvals for the clinical trials.

O’Brien is also joining Team Fight to Walk, which is in association with the JustADollarPlease.org. It is a team of fighters that are helping raise awareness and funds for the pending clinical trial.

“This organization was brought to me and I read up on it and did my research and truly believe it’s a great organization,” said O’Brien. “And I just wish my purse was $20 million. Not only me, but most of us wake up in the morning and get out of bed and take advantage that we have use of every limb and full control of our bodies. I can’t even imagine how difficult it must be for the patients and anything I can do to bring even just one person a little closer to motor movement and a dream to walk again I will.”

Since making his professional debut March 5, O’Brien has been garnering international attention due to his intense fight style and ability to put on a show for the fans. But outside of the ring the up-and-coming welterweight stays just as busy as when he is training for a fight.

In addition to working with JustADollarPlease.org, O’Brien also does his part to help impact other charitable organizations, including United Way, Boys and Girls Club and Find A Dream.

“It means a lot to me to be able to give back and be a part of these organizations,” said O’Brien. “Athletes are held in a higher standard, and it is important that we donate our time to charities. I feel like I have a great responsibility to reach out to those in need and be a positive role model or someone they can turn to for inspiration or motivation. Athletes have to lead by example.”

O’Brien stated in an interview prior to his first fight that besides making a huge impact in the boxing world with his skills and performance in the ring, outside of the ring he was adamant about bringing class back to the sport.

Actions speak louder than words, and rather than simply telling the fans and media what they want to hear to boost his popularity, the young fighter has and continues to live up to his words by diligently doing all he can.

“Boxing has been a big part of my life and more recently over the past four years,” said O’Brien. “Not to be a cliché but I was born for this, and everything about me is made for the path I’m on now. I will always be a part of boxing and find any and all ways I can help this sport. Boxing has been around since the gladiators and is an American tradition, and it deserves the respect of anyone involved with the sport to help bring class back to this beautiful science.”

Monday, May 16, 2011

ESPN's Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra, will originate from Newark, N.J. May 20 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2 when former junior middleweight world title challenger Joel "El Predador" Julio (36-4, 31 KO's, WBC#33) and undefeated 2008 U.S. Olympian Sadam "The World Kid" Ali (12-0, 7 KO's) are featured in co-main events. Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas will be ringside at the Amerihealth Pavilion describing the action. The card is presented by Main Events.

Prudential Centers' Amerihealth Pavilion will bring Main Events back to the intimacy and excitement of its roots. Beginning in May 1978, and lasting through April 1986, Main Events made its name in the boxing business with a series of more than 50 fight cards at Ice World, a little known ice skating rink in Totowa, N.J. By 1980, ESPN had begun televising the "Fights on Ice" series. What started out as a local incubator for local boxing talent quickly grew into a nationally known phenomenon. The final show at Totowa in 1986 featured Mark Breland and was broadcast live on ABC.

This Friday Miami resident and Colombian native Julio will meet Buffalo's Anges "Baby Face" Adjaho (17-5, 9 KO's). After being TKO'd in the 11th round by Alfredo Angulo, Julio rebounded with a 10-round unanimous decision win against Jamaal Davis in his last fight.

"Joel's been preparing for this fight for about three months," trainer Anthony Hamm said. "I've been working with Joel since the Angulo fight. I didn't want him to take that fight, especially at 154 pounds, because Joel's a natural 147-pounder. He looks good at this weight and he's punching harder now. He's going to be a sight to see this fight."

Brooklyn's Ali, taking a step up in class, will meet "The Renegade" John Revish (9-3-2, 8 KO's). Ali is coming off a third-round knockout over Javier Perez. After that fight, ESPN.com's Dan Rafael wrote, "Ali looked very good in dismantling Perez. Ali, with a tremendous speed and power advantage, nearly had Perez out in the first round when he crushed him with a left hook to the jaw. The punch sent Perez's head swiveling and knocked him to his rear end. In the third round, Ali landed another brutal left hook to the jaw that dropped Perez even harder. Perez was flat on his back and spread eagle as the referee stopped it at 2 minutes, 40 seconds. He remained on the floor for a few minutes, and Ali had himself an eye-catching victory."

Studio host Brian Kenny will present all the latest boxing news and highlights.
"We plan to replicate the Ice World model in this new space and develop the champions of the future," said Main Events CEO Kathy Duva.

Tickets are on sale now, $103 for ringside and reserved floor seats, $63 general admission bleachers and $33 general admission standing. Tickets are available online through www.ticketmaster.com, Charge-by-phone: 1-800-745-3000, Ticketmaster Express 866-448-7849 and Ticketmaster ticket centers. Tickets are also available at Prudential Center's Box Office and www.prucenter.com.